Trial of Sialkot lynching accused to be held inside jail

The Punjab government has decided to conduct the trial of the Sialkot lynching accused inside the jail premises keeping in view the security situation, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

This was another major development in the lynching and burning incident of a Sri Lankan in Sialkot a few days ago as the authorities have decided to hold the trial of the accused inside the jail. 

Reportedly, the decision was made in an important meeting of the prosecution and the Punjab government officials for the sake of maintenance of security and peace in the city. 

The provincial government has ordered the jail administration to make all necessary arrangements for the conduct of the trial.

The police authorities have also been directed to submit the challan to the court as soon as possible.

On Monday last, the Government of Pakistan had repatriated the remains of the Sri Lankan factory manager.

"The dead body of the Sri Lankan manager has been airlifted and sent to Colombo," Tahir Ashrafi, a religious scholar and special representative of the prime minister on religious harmony, told AFP.

Police had so far arrested 131 people including 26 prime suspects who have been remanded in custody, Sialkot police spokesman Khurram Shehzad told AFP.

Several gruesome video clips shared on social media showed a mob beating the prone victim.

Many in the crowd made no attempt to hide their identity and some took selfies in front of the burning corpse.

However Prime Minister Imran Khan had conferred a bravery medal upon a man who had attempted to save Diyawadana, endangering his own life. It will be the first time that a person has received the award in a case linked to blasphemy.

Reporter Usman Ilyas